Sana'a: The expanded humanitarian meeting, organized by the International Cooperation Sector at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates, concluded today in Sana'a. The meeting, held on the fourth day with local organizations, was conducted under the slogan "Coordination - Cooperation - Trust."
According to Yemen News Agency, the session featured the Undersecretary of the International Cooperation Sector at the Ministry, Ambassador Ismail Al-Mutawakel, reiterating the Yemeni government's commitment to localizing humanitarian work. He emphasized the sector's support to local organizations in coordination with various government agencies and donors. Al-Mutawakel announced a joint program designed in coordination with the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) to enhance capacity-building and civil society empowerment projects. He urged donors to establish direct funding mechanisms for qualified Yemeni organizations, free from bureaucratic constraints.
Ambassador Al-Mutawakel highlighted the crucial role of Yemeni civil society organizations, describing them as the "conscience of the people" and advocates for justice. He stressed the importance of building a genuine partnership between the government and civil society organizations, underscoring the need for trust, competence, and fair opportunities.
Rosaria Bruno, the Representative of OCHA in Yemen, expressed gratitude for the Ministry's invitation to the meeting, focusing on enhancing cooperation and integration to protect lives. Bruno acknowledged the significant challenges faced by local actors due to funding shortages and emphasized the role of the Yemeni private sector in supporting local organizations amid the difficult humanitarian situation.
Iman Al-Hamzi, Program Director at the Yemeni Women's Union, addressed the challenges faced by local organizations, including a decline in humanitarian funding and the withdrawal of international and UN organizations. She emphasized the need for capacity building and the localization of humanitarian work to ensure the continuity of services.
The meeting, spanning four days, included discussions, presentations, and proposals from ministries, government institutions, and various organizations on humanitarian activities and challenges over the years. A presentation by Walid Al-Jabri from the International Cooperation Sector highlighted facilities provided to partners and the objectives of the Protection and Legal Support Department.
The meeting concluded with a film screening on regional conflicts and their humanitarian impacts, emphasizing the need for continued support and cooperation among local and international actors to address the ongoing crises.